The fires of the "Star Sea Cup" offline grand finals continued to burn in the auxiliary hall of the Shanghai International Sports Center.
The group stage adopted a double round-robin BO1 format, meaning each team had to play against the other three teams in their group twice.
Every point was crucial, and any single loss could push a team to the brink of elimination.
The battles in Group A and Group B concluded first, with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.
Forbidden City Peak (2-0): The imperial capital's powerhouse displayed formidable dominance, not losing a single point, and easily advanced as group leader.
Veterans (1-1): An experienced veteran team, they played steadily and secured second place with key victories.
Star Sea Team (2-0): After a thrilling victory in the opening match, they quickly adjusted their state and gave no further opportunities to opponents in subsequent matches, strongly advancing as group leader.
Jinneng Esports (1-1): With the same record as another team in their group, they narrowly won through a tiebreaker, difficultly securing the second qualification spot.
As Groups A and B concluded, the focus shifted to Groups C and D. And Group D, which included the "Qiming Team," became the focal point of the entire venue.
This group was widely recognized as the "Group of Death," as besides "Qiming," it also featured the powerful "Phantom Team," the "Lingnan Tiger" known for its aggressive playstyle, and a formidable university league champion, "Lingyun Pavilion."
The Group D matches were full of twists and turns:
First Round Robin:
Qiming vs. Phantom: In their renewed clash, "Qiming" still played extremely tenaciously, but "Phantom" had clearly studied them, doing a better job in champion select (BP) and early-game strategy.
Ultimately, "Phantom" secured the victory with more stable macro play. Qiming (0-1)
Qiming vs. Lingnan Tiger: This was a bloody confrontation.
The "Lingnan Tiger" constantly sought out skirmishes from the start, while "Qiming," under the guidance of coach Chen Mo, chose to avoid its Sharp Edge, using Da Kang's (top laner) split-pushing and Lonely Shadow's (ADC) late-game capabilities to contend.
The game dragged into the late game, and Lonely Shadow's Xayah completed her items, delivering explosive damage in a crucial dragon fight, helping "Qiming" even the score! Qiming (1-1)
Qiming vs. Lingyun Pavilion: Facing the university champions, "Qiming" did not dare to be negligent.
A Le (jungler) had a perfect early-game rhythm, helping all three lanes establish advantages, and cleanly secured the victory. Qiming (2-1)
The first round concluded, and "Qiming's" record was decent, but their qualification situation remained unclear.
Second Round Robin (Decisive Battles):
Qiming vs. Lingyun Pavilion (Rematch): "Lingyun Pavilion" fought with their backs against the wall, playing even more aggressively, causing huge trouble for "Qiming."
The economies of both sides remained very close, and they only narrowly won by relying on Lin Feng's (mid laner) Orianna, who pulled three enemies with a hidden ball flash Ultimate Ability. Qiming (3-1)
Qiming vs. Lingnan Tiger (Rematch): This was the most crucial match!
The "Lingnan Tiger" adjusted its strategy, no longer mindlessly fighting, but instead competing with "Qiming" in macro play.
The game once again fell into a stalemate.
At a critical moment, Da Kang's Gangplank (Plank) stepped up, and a cross-terrain [Cannon Barrage] interrupted the "Lingnan Tiger's" recall at the dragon pit.
A Le's Lee Sin seized the opportunity to steal the Baron, decisively securing the victory! Qiming (4-1)
Final Match: Qiming vs. Phantom (Rematch): At this point, "Qiming" had a record of 4 wins and 1 loss, and "Phantom" also had 4 wins and 1 loss.
Both teams had already secured their qualification, and this match would determine the group leader!
Both sides held nothing back, delivering an extremely high-quality offensive and defensive battle.
Ultimately, "Phantom," with its deeper champion pool and top-tier team execution from the Korean server, was slightly superior and defeated "Qiming." Qiming (4-2)
Final Group D Standings:
1. Phantom Team (5-1)
2. Qiming Team (4-2)
3. Lingnan Tiger (2-4)
4. Lingyun Pavilion (1-5)
The "Qiming Team" narrowly advanced to the national top sixteen as the second-place team in Group D!
When the final points were locked in and their qualification confirmed, the five young players and coach Chen Mo in the "Qiming Team"'s battle room excitedly embraced each other!
From almost disbanding, to last-minute roster changes, and then to the cruel struggle in the Group of Death, they withstood immense pressure and achieved a breakthrough that no one dared to imagine before the tournament!
Although they failed to secure first place in the group, emerging from that mountain of corpses and sea of blood was a miracle in itself!
The audience supporting them erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.
This grassroots team earned everyone's respect with their tenacity and fighting spirit.
Meanwhile, the situations in other groups were equally intense:
[Group C Qualified Teams]:
Shu Road Mountain (4-2): The western overlord showcased diverse tactics, advancing as group leader.
Steel City Will (3-3): With tenacious willpower, they defeated their opponent in a tiebreaker, snatching the last spot in the top sixteen.
Thus, all sixteen teams for the first "Star Sea Cup" were determined!
Top Sixteen List:
Forbidden City Peak, Veterans, Star Sea Team, Jinneng Esports, Phantom Team, Qiming Team, Shu Road Mountain, Steel City Will, Spicy Hotpot, Shining Star, Misty Rain of Jiangnan, Changan Prefecture, Beichen, Dragon Soul, Kunlun Decisive Battle, (another team that emerged from the tiebreaker).
This list brought together the strongest forces in current Chinese league of legends esports.
Traditional powerhouses, new capital-backed teams, grassroots dark horses, regional strongholds... everything was present.
Next, the even more brutal single-elimination bracket was about to begin!
With a BO3 format, there was no room for error; one loss meant packing up and going home.
Could the "Qiming Team"'s miraculous journey continue?
All eyes turned to the upcoming top sixteen draw ceremony.
A greater storm was brewing.